Can An Adult Get Circumcised?

Can an adult get circumcised? Although 70% of men in the United States are circumcised because it was performed as a newborn, it is possible for an adult to be circumcised. It is a simple procedure with few risks or complications. Let’s learn more about adult circumcision.

What Is Circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis and shaft. When performed on a newborn, it is quick and involves cutting away the foreskin using scissors or another medical device.

The procedure on an adult takes a bit longer, from 30 minutes to one hour to complete. The surgeon moves the foreskin away from the head of the penis and uses a scalpel to remove the excess skin. The skin which remains is cauterized or stitched back to the shaft with dissolvable stitches.

The procedure can be performed under general or more localized anesthesia. Most patients go home on the same day.

Recovery From Circumcision

Recovery takes about 2 to 3 weeks. You can expect mild pain which is treated with over-the-counter pain medications, and you may receive a prescription for an antibiotic to prevent infection. There will be swelling and bruising so apply ice as needed.

You can begin walking in a day or two, but very slowly at first. You may shower after the dressing is removed by Dr. Hyman. Do not rub the area with a cloth or towel, just pat dry.

You can begin normal activities after 4 weeks, but wait 6 weeks to engage in sexual intercourse.

Once you are completely healed, there is no impact on sexual function, urination, or sensitivity.

Benefits of Having an Adult Circumcision

There are some advantages to circumcision as an adult.

They include the following:

• May have a lower risk of developing urinary tract infections
• Less infection and irritation
• Reduced risk of HIV from vaginal sex and other sexually transmitted diseases (but does not provide total protection)
• Lower risk of contracting HPV and herpes
• Although already rare, cancer of the penis is even more rare with circumcision

Circumcision is recommended if a man suffers from the following issues:

• Genital warts
• Lichen Sclerosus which causes scarring on the foreskin and a tightening of skin around the shaft and head of the penis leading to infections
• Phimosis which causes urine to get trapped under the skin leading to inflammation and infections on the head of penis or in the urinary tract